The first policy issued
The first policy issued to a resident of Oklahoma was issued August 20, 1869, on the life of Joseph A. Tibbitts, a merchant in Skullyville. Tibbitts' policy insured him for $5,000. In August 1870, he took out a second $5000 policy. The proceeds of both were paid to his widow when he died of pneumonia on September 7, 1877.
The first office
New York Life established its first general office in Oklahoma City in March 1902 - five years before the Oklahoma Territory was admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907, as the 46th state. New York Life was insuring traders of the Indian Territory twenty years before the land was opened for homesteading.